Victoria's population has seen a significant turnaround in the past decade, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The state's population in December 2001 was estimated at 4,854,100 - a 1.3% increase on the previous year. Since 1991, Victoria's population growth rates have generally increased each year.

Net overseas migration boosted the population by 27,500. Natural increase (births minus deaths) added another 26,900. For the fourth year in a row more people arrived in Victoria than departed interstate, adding another 7,700 people to the population.

In 2001, other key points about Victoria's demographic make-up included:

58,600 registered births to mothers who normally live in Victoria.

The total fertility rate continued its long term-decline to 1.61 children per female, compared to the national rate of 1.73.

There were 32,300 registered deaths to people who's usual residence was Victoria.

There were 230 deaths due to drug related causes. This was half the number recorded in 2000. Drug related deaths rose from 140 in 1981 to over 500 in 1999.

There were over 400 deaths from motor vehicle accidents, and over 500 deaths from intentional self harm.

The leading causes of death were malignant neoplasms (cancer) and heart disease.

The median ages at death were 76.1 years for males and 82.1 years for females.

The median age at marriage has continued to rise and was 30.5 years for men and 28.7 years for women. In 1991 the figures were 28.3 and 26.1 respectively.

Most couples who married had lived together before marriage. Of these, the majority (61%) were more likely to have a civil celebrant officiate their wedding. Of couples who didn't live together before marriage, 71% had their wedding officiated by a minister of religion.

13,700 divorces were granted - an 11% increase from the previous year.

Victoria's divorce rate was 2.8 divorces per 1,000 population - up from 2.6 in 2000 and was the same as the national figure.

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